The Sun is currently at a high level of activity as we approach solar maximum during the 11 year cycle. This distinction comes from the quantity and size of sunspots that appear on the surface at any given time. The visible dark regions are cooler than the rest of the surface and are caused by a concentration of intense magnetic fields and are the source of solar eruptions. When such highly charged particles arrive at Earth and interact with our magnetic field and upper atmosphere, the result is the spectacular northern/southern lights.